Marks of a Spirit-Filled Church

Sermon Title:  Marks of a Spirit-Filled Church
Scripture Reading:  Ezekiel 43:1-5; John 14:15-21; Acts 1:1-8; Acts 2:42-47

The Scriptures teach us that the Father is the originator of all things, the Son is the revealer of the one true God, and that the Holy Spirit is the completer of God’s divine program and redemptive plan for the world.

In the OT, the Holy Spirit was at work in creation, empowered key individuals, and filled the Temple for a time. But it was through Jesus that the Spirit came in a unique way, empowering him to bring about the Kingdom on the earth. After Jesus is resurrected, he tells his disciples that the Spirit would soon empower them to proclaim the Gospel and continue his mission.

In Marks of a Spirit-Filled Church, pastor David has us consider what it looks like when the Spirit is at work in a church, and what we must do to welcome his transforming presence.

Listen to David and view the slides here.

Shepherds of God's Flock

Sermon Title:  Shepherds of God’s Flock: Why the Church Needs Pastors
Scripture Reading:  John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 5:1-4 & Hebrews 13:7-9, 17a

In Ezekiel 34 we read a rebuke from God against the selfish, slothful “shepherds” of Israel--those who should have been leading and pastoring God’s flock into green pastures, but weren’t. As God’s mouthpiece, Ezekiel proclaims a day when God would be the Chief Shepherd of his people. Jesus tells us that he is that good shepherd (Jn 10:11). Throughout his ministry, Jesus shows his disciples how they too can shepherd people as he does. The apostles then help us to see that this role of shepherding is vital to the health of the church and the ongoing mission of God. Who are qualified to shepherd God’s flock? Why does the church need pastors?

In Shepherds of God’s Flock, pastor David helps us to think about the future of pastoral ministry. Listen to David and view the slides here.

It's A Woman's World... Too

Sermon Title:  It’s A Woman’s World… Too
Scripture Reading:  Luke 8:1-3; Galatians 3:23-29; Acts 2:17-21

The gospels reveal that Jesus emancipated first-century women from second-class citizenship in God’s Kingdom story. He liberated women from their oppressive culture and overturned the accepted interpretations of the Hebrew Scriptures.

For Jesus, his radical inclusion of women was in keeping with his overarching ministry to defeat Satan and heal the destructive consequences of the Fall. So why have so many in the church failed to accept women as equals? And what about those restrictive verses in Paul’s letters? Did the Apostle Paul believe and teach in accordance with Jesus?

In It’s a Woman’s World… Too, pastor David presents us with a biblical foundation for the acceptance of women as equals in life and ministry. Listen and view the slides here.